Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Monday held a one-to-one meeting with Ukraine's Ambassador to India, Dr Oleksandr Polishchuk, during the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) for Central Gujarat, with discussions focusing on expanding cooperation in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, renewable energy and green hydrogen.
The meeting took place on the opening day of the two-day conference in Vadodara, which has brought together diplomats, investors, policymakers and industry leaders from partner countries to strengthen international partnerships and promote investment opportunities across the region.
According to the state government, Patel and the Ukrainian envoy discussed the potential for a strategic partnership in sectors where Gujarat has developed significant industrial capabilities. Referring to the state's progress in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, renewable energy and green hydrogen, the Chief Minister invited Ukrainian industries to collaborate with Gujarat, describing the state as a "reliable Indian partner" for investment and industrial cooperation.
During the meeting, Patel also expressed appreciation for Ukraine's continued participation in the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference initiative. The Chief Minister thanked Ukraine for being a partner country in all four editions of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conferences held so far and said: "he was confident that the growing relationship between Gujarat and Ukraine would contribute to long-term prosperity for both sides".
The discussions formed part of a series of bilateral engagements held alongside the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference, designed to deepen international cooperation while showcasing investment opportunities across Central Gujarat's manufacturing and industrial sectors.
The conference is attended by representatives from partner countries, including Ukraine, Japan, Rwanda, and Ireland, alongside business delegations, industry associations, and government officials. It also features sector-specific discussions and a trade exhibition highlighting Gujarat's strengths in manufacturing, technology, MSMEs, startups, women-led enterprises and traditional industries.
The Central Gujarat edition of the conference focuses on sectors including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and electronics, information technology and IT-enabled services, biotechnology, chemicals and petrochemicals, aerospace and defence, renewable energy, food processing, fintech, skill development and tourism.
Senior state government officials also attended the bilateral meeting with the Ukrainian delegation, including Chief Secretary M. K. Das; Chief Adviser to the Chief Minister, Dr Hasmukh Adhia; Additional Chief Secretary of the Industries Department, Mamta Verma; Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sanjeev Kumar; and Additional Principal Secretary Dr Vikrant Pandey.